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Barrett Media’s Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows of 2025

Jason Barrett
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Barrett Media’s Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows of 2025

The final day of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research has arrived. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Please give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today, we finish the series by featuring the Top 20 CHR/Top 40 radio shows and program directors. All results from this series are available on our website in the Top 20 section. The Nooner newsletter also delivers the information each day to your inbox at 12pm ET. We promote results across social media too. Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok and Instagram to stay updated.

I will record a few videos this week discussing the entire Top 20 process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Make sure you subscribe so you’re notified once they are available.

Important Information

#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Some shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.

#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.

#4 – This series features 320 images of radio shows and program directors. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.

The Voting Process

A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!

Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.

Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 48 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors.

One hundred sixty three (163) CHR/Top 40 radio shows appeared on ballots submitted by our voters this year. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.

And the Winner Is…

Mojo in the Morning of Channel 95.5 in Detroit. This is Mojo’s first category win. The show finished 2nd in 2024. Congrats to Mojo, the morning crew, and Tony Travatto on the well earned recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork for the entire Top 20 series, and every CHR/Top 40 voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 CHR/Top 40 radio shows of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Mojo in the Morning won this category by the largest margin of the entire Top 20 series. A total of One Hundred Thirty Nine (139) points separated the top 2 shows in the category. Mojo also landed the most first-place votes with twelve (12).
  • Spots 21-25 went to McCabe, Brady, Ricki, Zac & Manno, Brooke & Jeffrey and Josh Martinez.
  • The tightest race saw Moug & Karla defeat Smiley Morning Show by two (2) points for 13th place.
  • Of the One Hundred Sixty Three (163) radio shows to earn votes, twenty five (25) notched at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Barrett Media’s Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Program Directors of 2025

Jason Barrett
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0
Barrett Media’s Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Program Directors of 2025

The final day of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research has arrived. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Please give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today, we finish the series by featuring the Top 20 CHR/Top 40 radio shows and program directors. All results from this series are available on our website in the Top 20 section. The Nooner newsletter also delivers the information each day to your inbox at 12pm ET. We promote results across social media too. Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok and Instagram to stay updated.

I will record a few videos this week discussing the entire Top 20 process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted to the Barrett Media YouTube page once they’re ready. Be sure you subscribe so you’re notified once they are available.

Important Information

#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Some shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.

#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.

#4 – This series features 320 images of radio shows and program directors. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.

The Voting Process

A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!

Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.

Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 48 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors.

Eighty eight (88) CHR/Top 40 programmers appeared on ballots submitted by our voters this year. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.

And the Winner Is…

Beata Murphy of 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles. This is Beata’s first category win. She came in third in 2024. This year she swaps spots with Mark Adams. Congrats to Beata and her team on the well earned recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork for the entire Top 20 series, and every CHR/Top 40 voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Program Directors of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Beata Murphy won this category by a commanding eighty two (82) points. She also recorded the most first-place votes with eight (8).
  • Spots 21-25 belonged to Trevor Morini, Zann Fredlund, Patti Marshall, Ben Romero and Ben Davis.
  • We had a tie for 19th place between Tommy Chuck and David Edgar. That was the closest race across the category.
  • Of the Eighty Eight (88) programmers to earn votes, nineteen (19) received at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Stephen A. Smith Blasts New Orleans Pelicans’ Social Team Over Video Posted Following Commentary About Zion Williamson

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith Blasts New Orleans Pelicans’ Social Team Over Video Posted Following Commentary About Zion Williamson

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith did not back down Wednesday after the New Orleans Pelicans social media team fired back at his recent criticism of star forward Zion Williamson. Instead, Smith used his platform on First Take to escalate the exchange and defend his original remarks.

Earlier in the week, Smith sparked conversation across the basketball world when he labeled Williamson a “bona fide scrub” during a segment discussing the former No. 1 overall pick’s performance and durability. The Pelicans’ official social media accounts later responded with a video highlighting Smith’s viral flubs on the court and in sports, which quickly circulated online and drew strong reactions from fans and media members.

Smith addressed the clip directly during Wednesday’s episode, arguing that his stature in sports media gave him the credibility to offer pointed criticism of players and organizations.

“I’m at the top of the heap in this profession and getting paid for it, by the way,” Smith said. “My popularity is more than anybody you got on your team [New Orleans Pelicans], outside of Zion Williamson. Again, not throwing any shade on the players, just giving you facts.”

While acknowledging Williamson’s star power, Smith shifted his focus toward the franchise itself. Criticizing the organization’s competitive history and questioning why the team chose to engage with his comments in the first place.

“In 24 years, only five teams have never been to an NBA Finals — the Clippers, the Timberwolves, the Hornets, the Grizzlies and you,” Smith said. “In that same span, conference finals — only the Hornets and you have never been to a conference finals, but you got the time to clap back at me. Well, if you’re going to do that, at least tell America why. It’s the only thing that can make you relevant.”

Smith continued by suggesting the Pelicans’ social media response reflected a desire for attention rather than a genuine defense of the team’s performance.

“You and your social media department felt the need to come back at me and clap back at me because you want to make a statement,” Smith said. “You want notoriety, publicity and want to be noticed. Damn it, half the world forget you have a basketball team. That’s how bad y’all have been.”

The ESPN personality then pivoted to the broader state of the franchise, arguing that the organization has not delivered the level of success its fan base deserves despite possessing one of the league’s most recognizable young stars.

“Could you find a basketball reason to justify charging patrons in the city of New Orleans — who you should be giving refunds to — because of the product that y’all have put on the floor the last couple of years?” Smith said. “The last eight years, you’ve been to the playoffs twice. You’ve been bounced out in the first round each time, but you’ve got an attitude with me, and you want to troll me? Feel free.”

The back-and-forth highlights how quickly debates between media personalities and teams can spill onto social media, particularly when outspoken commentators like Smith weigh in on high-profile players such as Williamson.

For now, Smith appears content to keep the conversation going — and just as willing to challenge the Pelicans organization as he was the player who sparked the dispute.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Gayle King Inks Contract Extension with CBS News

BNM Staff
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Gayle King Inks Contract Extension with CBS News

Following rumors that she wouldn’t be back with the network, Gayle King has signed a contract extension to remain with CBS News on its morning program.

The contract extension for King comes as her current contract was set to expire in May. Her past contract was worth a reported $15 million, but the terms of her new deal were not disclosed.

In a statement, Gayle King shared her excitement for remaining with the network.

“Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,” said King. “CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at CBS Mornings. As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go. It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.”

CBS News had repeatedly rebuffed claims that King was on the way out, dating back to October of last year. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future,” a network statement read amid reports that CBS was interested in severing ties with her.

The extension for King comes amid changes at CBS News. Her former co-host, Tony Dokoupil, was tabbed as the new anchor of CBS Evening News. It also recently announced that longtime correspondent Anderson Cooper depart 60 Minutes at the end of the current season.

Those changes come after new owner of CBS — Paramount Skydance — installed Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief of the news organization.

“There is only one Gayle King,” Weiss said in a statement following King’s extension. “We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home. We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Michael Kay: Stephen A. Smith Taking A Risk Balancing Sports and Political Commentary

BSM Staff
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Michael Kay: Stephen A. Smith Taking A Risk Balancing Sports and Political Commentary

ESPN New York host Michael Kay believes the evolving intersection of celebrity and politics could give fellow ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith a legitimate chance if he ever pursued a run for the White House, although Kay also warned that blending political commentary with sports talk can create significant challenges for broadcasters trying to maintain and grow their audiences.

During a recent appearance on Brandon Tierney’s podcast BT Unleashed, Kay reflected on speculation that Smith could one day mount a presidential campaign and noted that the modern political environment has increasingly favored recognizable personalities who command national attention through media platforms and public visibility.

While Kay acknowledged Smith’s prominence and influence, he pointed out that financial considerations could complicate any decision to run for office. According to Kay, Smith’s lucrative contract with ESPN reportedly pays him roughly $20 million annually, meaning a campaign would require stepping away from a massive salary.

“He might have golden handcuffs, because he makes so much money from ESPN,” Kay said. “The rumor is about 20 million a year. He’d have to give that up if he was running.”

Nevertheless, Kay suggested that modern politics increasingly resembles the entertainment world, where personality and name recognition often carry as much weight as traditional political experience.

“If you said 15 years ago, Donald Trump was going to be president, people would laugh at you,” Kay said. “It’s more of a celebrity thing now, a personality thing. Stephen A has a shot because he certainly has the connections, and he has the voice and he has the reach.”

Although Kay acknowledged Smith’s potential appeal and communication skills, he emphasized that discussing politics while operating within a sports media platform can expose hosts to audience backlash, particularly in a format where listeners often seek an escape from political discourse.

Kay pointed to his own experience during his time co-hosting afternoons on ESPN New York with Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg, explaining that political conversations during the COVID-19 era coincided with a decline in the show’s momentum.

“He’s [Smith] doing stuff right now that is so fraught with peril,” Kay said of Smith’s political commentary. “When our show in the afternoon took a downturn, it was right around COVID. The three of us got very political, and people don’t like that. Especially in talk radio.”

Kay added that audience dynamics and competition within the New York radio market also played a role at the time, particularly while competing against Craig Carton.

“People got turned off,” Kay said. “I think a lot of people listening to talk radio are male conservative men, and we lost a lot of people because we were going up against Carton at that time, and he leans the other way. I think that really hurt us a great deal.”

Kay also acknowledged the complications that can arise when a co-host’s political opinions extend beyond the airwaves. Rosenberg, who regularly shares his views publicly, became a lightning rod for listeners with opposing viewpoints which affected the growth of the show, according to Kay.

“People don’t like Peter [Rosenberg] because they might be on the other side of the political spectrum. Peter is very liberal. After the covid stuff and so many things that you can lean one way or the other, Tim [McCarthy] kept saying you got to stop. For the most part, Peter does stop. But it’s hard to separate the personality on the air and the guy that’s on Twitter. He was also does a morning show with Ebro and he’s very open about which way he leans.”

For that reason, Kay said he often offers straightforward advice to aspiring sports talk hosts about navigating the increasingly polarized media environment.

“If any young kid on sports talk radio asked me,” Kay said, “I’d say just stay away from politics.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Ben Shapiro Calls Megyn Kelly ‘Unbelievable Coward’ After Taking Shots at Him and Mark Levin

BNM Staff
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Ben Shapiro Calls Megyn Kelly ‘Unbelievable Coward’ After Taking Shots at Him and Mark Levin

Megyn Kelly took shots at Ben Shapiro and Mark Levin following the U.S. military action in Iran. Shapiro is now firing back.

After service members were killed by an Iranian drone strike, Kelly argued that other conservative commentators lobbied for the war with the Middle Eastern nation.

“No one should have to die for a foreign country,” Kelly said. “I don’t think those service members died for the United States. I think they died for Iran or for Israel … “Mark Levin wanted it. It’s his war. Ben Shapiro, Lindsey Graham, Miriam Adelson, that’s obvious,” Kelly continued.

On Tuesday, Ben Shapiro shot back at Kelly during his Daily Wire podcast.

“First of all, the ugly suggestion that Mark Levin is somehow a traitor to the United States, that it’s Israel’s war and Mark Levin wanted it because it’s Israel’s war, or I want it or Lindsey Graham or Miriam Adelson? Really disgusting stuff from Megyn Kelly, but predictable at this point,” said Shapiro.

“You know whose war this is? President Donald J. Trump’s war. He’s the president of the United States. He commands the United States military. She is such a coward,” Shapiro said. “She is such an unbelievable coward. You don’t like President Trump? You don’t like what he’s saying? Just say his name, you coward, you unbelievable coward. Tucker and Megyn both, unbelievable cowardice. Say his name!”

The comments from Ben Shapiro continue a war of words between him and Megyn Kelly that originally started during his appearance at a Turning Point USA event in December 2025, where he stated that Kelly has a “moral obligation” to call out comments made by Candace Owens. He used similar sentiments — calling it “cowardice” — which Kelly did not respond kindly to.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

CBS, TNT Sports Announce Broadcast Pairings For NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

BSM Staff
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CBS, TNT Sports Announce Broadcast Pairings For NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

TNT Sports and CBS Sports will once again combine resources to deliver extensive coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, assembling a veteran roster of play-by-play voices, analysts and studio personalities across multiple networks as the tournament unfolds throughout March and early April.

The networks confirmed that the team of Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill and reporter Tracy Wolfson will handle the call of the national semifinals and championship game during the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four from Indianapolis on CBS Sports.

Those games will air on TBS, with the national semifinals scheduled for April 4 and the title game set for April 6. The quartet enters its third consecutive season together as the lead broadcast crew for the event.

Throughout the tournament, viewers will hear a mix of familiar voices and returning contributors across the networks’ game coverage. Former Purdue standout Robbie Hummel will continue working games through the Regional Finals, while former NBA star Chris Webber returns to the tournament broadcast lineup as a game analyst.

Additionally, Candace Parker and Wally Szczerbiak will contribute analysis during the early portion of the tournament, working games through the Second Round.

The coverage roster also expands with the additions of play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin and reporter Jared Greenberg, both of whom will contribute to game broadcasts during the opening rounds.

Studio programming will operate from two primary locations during the tournament’s early stages. At the CBS Sports Broadcast Center in New York, host Adam Zucker will lead coverage alongside Nate Burleson, Charles Barkley, Clark Kellogg and Kenny Smith.

The group will provide analysis, highlights and discussion surrounding the day’s games as the tournament progresses.

Meanwhile, studio coverage produced by TNT Sports will originate from Atlanta, where host Adam Lefkoe will anchor broadcasts alongside analysts Bruce Pearl, Jamal Mashburn, Jalen Rose and Seth Davis. Renee Montgomery and Pearl will also appear periodically from the New York studio, while reporter Jamie Erdahl will provide in-game updates throughout the tournament.

When the event shifts to the Final Four in Indianapolis, longtime host Ernie Johnson will take over studio responsibilities on-site, continuing a role he has held during several previous editions of the championship weekend.

Tournament action begins March 17 and 18 with the First Four matchups airing on truTV from Dayton, Ohio. The opening game on March 17 will feature the broadcast team of Jordan Kent, Jim Spanarkel and reporter Jenny Dell, who will also work both games the following night.

The second game on March 17 will include a notable trio in the booth, as Brian Anderson joins Barkley and Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale for the call, with Dell reporting from the sidelines.

Studio coverage for the First Four will originate from Atlanta, where Lefkoe and his panel of analysts will guide viewers through the opening stage of the tournament as the field narrows and the full bracket takes shape.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

ESPN Announces NFL Free Agency Coverage Plans

BSM Staff
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ESPN Announces NFL Free Agency Coverage Plans

As the NFL’s free agency negotiating window approaches, ESPN is preparing an extensive lineup of programming designed to track every development and analyze the league’s most consequential offseason moves.

Beginning Monday, March 9 at noon ET, the network will deliver more than six hours of dedicated coverage across multiple studio shows while providing real-time updates, commentary and analysis as teams begin negotiating with available players.

At the center of ESPN’s coverage will be senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, who will provide breaking news and updates throughout the day. Schefter will appear in studio during The Pat McAfee Show, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. ET and serves as the launch point for the network’s free agency programming. Joining him at the ThunderDome studio will be analyst Dan Orlovsky and NFL insider Peter Schrager, who will offer insight into roster decisions, contract negotiations and the broader impact of each signing around the league.

Host Pat McAfee and his regular cast — including AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, Ty Schmit, Connor Campbell and Tone Digs — will take the air precisely when negotiations open, allowing viewers to follow the first wave of reports and reactions in real time.

Additionally, ESPN will expand the show’s traditional television window for the first two days of free agency, making the full three-hour broadcast available both on ESPN and the ESPN YouTube channel.

Following McAfee’s program, ESPN’s studio lineup shifts to a series of NFL-focused shows designed to examine the early developments of the market. SportsCenter will present a one-hour special titled NFL Free Agency Countdown from 3–4 p.m. ET, hosted by Laura Rutledge alongside analysts Ryan Clark, Louis Riddick and reporters Jeremy Fowler and Schefter.

That program leads directly into NFL Live from 4–5 p.m., where the same group — joined by Orlovsky — will evaluate how each deal reshapes team rosters and influences the competitive balance across the league.

ESPN’s coverage continues throughout the week, as the network devotes significant portions of its daily lineup to tracking the league’s rapidly shifting landscape. Tuesday and Wednesday will feature day-long updates examining the reaction to Monday’s transactions while also reporting new agreements and trade discussions.

On Tuesday, former NFL defensive back Jason McCourty joins the free agency studio coverage, while analyst Mina Kimes appears on NFL Live Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wednesday’s programming carries additional significance because the negotiating window closes at 3:59 p.m. ET, with contracts becoming official one minute later. ESPN plans to bridge that moment with back-to-back editions of NFL Free Agency Countdown and NFL Live, offering immediate reaction once teams finalize their agreements.

Beyond the dedicated free agency blocks, ESPN will weave coverage across its broader programming schedule. Shows such as Get Up, First Take and Pardon the Interruption will address the week’s most impactful signings while the network’s digital and radio platforms add additional reporting and analysis.

On Sunday evening, ESPN Radio begins the buildup with a two-hour preview special hosted by Mike Tannenbaum and former NFL punter Drew Butler, who will examine the biggest storylines and potential market opportunities before negotiations begin.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s digital coverage will feature analysis from reporters and analysts including Dan Graziano, Fowler, Bill Barnwell, Matt Bowen, Ben Solak, Seth Walder and Aaron Schatz, who will evaluate the impact of each signing while identifying the winners and losers across the league.

Additionally, with the NFL Draft approaching in April, analyst Field Yates will update his mock draft projections to reflect how free agency reshapes team needs and roster priorities.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Gregg Giannotti Ribs Chris Carlin For Brief Exit From Twitter/X

BSM Staff
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Gregg Giannotti Ribs Chris Carlin For Brief Exit From Twitter/X

The sports media world has seen its share of dramatic social media exits over the years, yet most rarely last long enough to qualify as permanent departures. That familiar cycle played out again this week when Chris Carlin returned to X only days after publicly announcing that he was leaving the platform.

The quick turnaround did not go unnoticed across the New York sports radio landscape, especially by Gregg Giannotti. During Wednesday’s edition of Boomer & Gio on WFAN, Giannotti reacted to Carlin’s short-lived social media hiatus and questioned the point of making a public declaration that ultimately lasted less than a week.

“So that was short lived. Short lived there by [Chris] Carlin,” Giannotti said during the show. “Like, I would have had respect for him if he would have just absolutely said he left and he was done. It was, like, three days, that’s it?”

Carlin, who hosts a weekday program on ESPN New York, first announced his departure from the platform on Feb. 28. He said repeated exposure to hate speech pushed him to step away. In his message announcing the decision, Carlin said he tried adjusting settings to avoid hateful content. He said he continued encountering it.

“I’m out,” Carlin wrote at the time. “I had to choose TWICE to AVOID hate speech on my Twitter/X feed. Yet, it’s still there, from people I don’t follow. If you’re wondering, the final straw was Clay Travis starting an argument with ‘you dumb c——.’ It was an OK run. If you choose, IG/TikTok.”

Despite saying he was finished with the platform, Carlin returned to posting on X three days later. The brief break became a talking point on Boomer & Gio. Giannotti used the moment to broaden the discussion beyond Carlin’s situation. He addressed the reality of dealing with criticism online.

“Maybe he figured that part out,” Giannotti said. “Social media is a brutal place to be. You have to understand that that’s what it is, and you have to accept it for what it is. You can’t be shocked or upset but yet willing to participate.”

Giannotti’s comments reflected a sentiment many broadcasters and media personalities share regarding the complicated relationship between sports talk radio and social media platforms. Hosts often rely on X to interact with listeners, promote show content and react to breaking news across the sports landscape, yet the same platforms regularly expose them to criticism and hostility from fans.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

VICE TV Announces Second Season of ‘The Verdict’ With Chris “Mad Dog” Russo

BSM Staff
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1
VICE TV Announces Second Season of ‘The Verdict’ With Chris “Mad Dog” Russo

VICE TV will bring back one of its sports debate-driven programs later this month when The Verdict, hosted by Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, returns for a five-episode second season beginning Tuesday, March 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The series, which blends documentary storytelling with spirited debate, places Russo alongside a panel of sports insiders, reporters and analysts who examine some of the most polarizing arguments in sports history. Each installment explores the competing perspectives behind well-known debates, combining statistical evidence, historical context and firsthand reporting before Russo ultimately renders his final judgment.

While the inaugural season focused primarily on football-related questions, the upcoming slate broadens the conversation across several major sports. Producers say the second season aims to present a wider variety of legendary matchups that have fueled arguments among fans for decades.

“Sports fans have argued about these topics for decades — in bars, on radio, at family dinners,” Russo said. “These debates define eras. We’re breaking it down — history, numbers, context, all of it — and at the end of the hour, I’m giving you a verdict.”

The season premiere will feature a comparison between baseball icons Babe Ruth and Shohei Ohtani. Subsequent episodes will examine heavyweight boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, golf greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, and the athletic versatility debate between Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.

The season finale will shift to tennis, evaluating the legacy battle among Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

“We’re thrilled to bring back The Verdict with a broader lens on the most polarizing debates in sports,” said VICE TV President Pete Gaffney. “Mad Dog doesn’t sit on the fence – he forces the conversation forward – and this season the arguments are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the debates are fierce.” 

Russo’s involvement also brings decades of sports media credibility to the series. The longtime radio personality earned a place in the Radio Hall of Fame after helping popularize the sports talk radio format during a career that now spans more than four decades.

In addition to hosting The Verdict, Russo currently serves as a recurring contributor on the First Take on ESPN, where segments such as “What Are You Mad About?” and “Mad Dog’s A-List” frequently generate significant social media engagement. He also hosts Mad Dog Unleashed each weekday afternoon on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel.

The program debuted in January 2025 on VICE TV with an episode examining the impact of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick during the New England Patriots dynasty.

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